Knight Errant

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Get ready to add more chocolate into your diet

Superfoods are said to be a fad, new, fresh way to lose weight; this may be true, but superfoods can also be extremely beneficial for one’s health. Below is a list of the top seven superfoods that one should try to incorporate daily into their diet.

Filled with antioxidants and nutrients, some nutritionists believe blueberries are the ultimate superfood. They are a great source of vitamin K, manganese, fiber, copper and vitamin C. One cup only contains 84 calories and provides 14% of the recommended daily fiber and 24% of the daily vitamin C intake, both of which are great for cleansing the body and providing healthy energy. Blueberries are easy to eat on the go and can simply be added to pancakes or tossed in a salad.

Pumpkin

Many rarely think of pumpkin as a food but rather a Halloween decoration. This seasonal favorite contains immune boosting powers such as Vitamin A, which helps create white blood cells. These cells also help in fighting off colds and infections to keep the body healthy. There are plenty of ways to sneak pumpkin into any meal; for a hot breakfast filled with fiber, try adding some canned pumpkin to oatmeal.

Broccoli

Broccoli is possibly the most nutritious vegetable on the planet. It carries an abundance of dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which cleanse and purify the skin, maintaining a smooth and healthy glow. With only 54 calories a cup, broccoli can easily be added to dinner meals, such as pasta, for a tasty daily dose.

Avocado

Many dieters often avoid avocados because they are high in fat; this is true, but they contain the right fats. They provide phytosterols, which help lower cholesterol. In fact, studies have found that daily consumption of two grams or more of phytosterol could lower one’s cholesterol level by up to 10%. Avocados also contain fiber, which helps cleanse the system, as well as protein to prevent overeating. An easy way to incorporate avocados into a snack is having guacamole.

Tea (green or black)

Tea has been considered a healing remedy for over a millennium and was originally used as a form of medicine in Japan. Both green and black teas have ten times the amount of antioxidants found in fruits and veggies. It is calorie free, and the antioxidants found in green tea, also known as catechins, have been proved by studies as a remedy that reduces the size of tumors because of their effect on cancer cells. In addition, the combination of catechins and powerful antioxidants found in green tea work together to help your body fight fat and burn more calories. To ensure all of the benefits, it is best to have a cup of tea in the morning daily.

Spinach

One cup of fresh spinach leaves provides almost double the daily requirement for vitamin K, which plays an important role in cardiovascular and bone health. It is also filled with Vitamin C as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, which act like sunscreen for your eyes. Being the most protein packed vegetable, one cup of spinach fulfills 12% of the daily value. It also contains 25% DV of magnesium, which regulates muscle and nerve function. The nutrients spinach provides are beneficial to anyone and can easily be incorporated into a diet by replacing lettuce in salads and on sandwiches.

Dark Chocolate

Studies show that modest amounts of dark chocolate eaten every day can reduce risk of blood clots, lower blood pressure, increase endurance, improve skin quality, and even sharpen problem-solving skills. Dark chocolate contains high levels of antioxidants known as flavonoids, which help protect blood vessels from rupture or leakage. Although it contains various benefits, eating dark chocolate in moderation is essential. The very best and most delicious way to eat dark chocolate is by eating them in squares, limiting to three a day.

1 Comment

One Response to “Get ready to add more chocolate into your diet”

Mick Hawkins on
September 25th, 2014 7:31 pm

Now we’re talking!

M. Hawkins

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